[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19346]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   MOVEMENT DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my bill 
that calls for the observance of October as Movement Disorders 
Awareness Month. Movement disorders affect nearly 40 million Americans 
and often cause chronic or debilitating conditions. Some common 
movement disorders include: dystonia, Parkinson's disease, Rett 
Syndrome and Huntington's disease.
  An author, Matt Marty, once said, ``Understanding is curing ignorance 
and curing ignorance is abolishing fear.'' Many people fear what they 
do not understand. We must establish a Movement Disorders Awareness 
Month to educate the public about the causes, characteristics and 
treatments of movement disorders. Awareness would guide the public 
consciousness toward understanding. Acceptance is the key. We must 
affirm our commitment to the individuals and families who are affected 
by these disorders. We must encourage further research on movement 
disorders. We must also raise public consciousness and understanding in 
regards to these conditions. This is a most worthy and necessary cause.

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